Senior Engineer (SuDS/Planning) - Drainage & Flood Risk Management

Are you an experienced engineer looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and supportive environment? West Berkshire Council are looking for a Senior Engineer to provide professional advice to the Local Planning Authority in relation to sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDs), flood risk management and land drainage.

The Role

As a member ofthe Asset Management team, and under the general direction of the Asset Manager and Principal Engineer, you will:

• Provide professional and technical services consistent with the postholders qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to the delivery of highways and transport services in West Berkshire, with an emphasis on drainage projects.
• Promote the use of sustainable drainage and assist with the duties of West Berkshire Council as a Lead Local Flood Authority.
• Assess and respond to consultation requests from the planning department for flood risk and drainage advice. Review applications and encourage the use of sustainable drainage systems in accordance with relevant policy and guidance, including (but not limited to) the National Planning Policy Framework, associated planning practice guidance, CIRIA C753 The SuDS Manual, and the Councils Sustainable Drainage Supplementary Planning Document.
• Work with the Local Planning Authority and Highway Authority to ensure that contributions from developments are received where applicable (under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act and Sections 38/278 of the Highways Act 1990).
• Ensure that adopted flood risk and drainage assets from new developments are recorded on WBCs asset registers by liaising with the relevant highways officer.
• Manage Ordinary Watercourse Consents in accordance with the Land Drainage Act 1991.
• Assist with the maintenance of the asset management database under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
• Lead and assist in the development and delivery of flood management initiatives and projects.
• Seek out and implement opportunities for the use of SuDS and Natural Flood Management schemes, including applying for grants from organisations such as the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (TRFCC).

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• A relevant engineering qualification and professional accreditation (e.g. Degree and 3 years experience or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering or equivalent and 5 years experience)
• Significant experience in sustainable drainage, land drainage and flood risk management functions with a strong understanding of relevant legislation and standards
• Proven technical ability and understanding of National Planning Policy Framework
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Experience in supervising and mentoring junior staff

If you are a motivated and dedicated engineer, passionate about delivering high-quality transport solutions, we would love to hear from you.

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years service.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide.We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. xbpsjku Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.